Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a delicious treat for your taste buds. It’s a tradition that has been passed down for generations and brings people together in a truly unique way. Whether you’re making it for your family or sharing it with friends, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. When you first hear the name Amish Friendship Bread, you might be wondering what exactly it is. Well, it’s a sweet, yeasted bread made from a starter that has been passed from friend to friend. The starter is a mixture of flour, sugar, and milk that is left to ferment for several days before it’s ready to be added to the bread dough. The beauty of Amish Friendship Bread is that it creates a sense of community and connection among those who share the starter. When you receive a starter from a friend, you’re not only receiving the ingredients to make bread, but you’re also receiving a piece of their friendship and the opportunity to keep the tradition alive by sharing it with others. To make the bread, you’ll need to follow a recipe similar to this one:
Ingredients
- 1 cup Amish Friendship Bread starter
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 small box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease two 9-inch bread pans.
- In a large bowl, mix together the Amish Friendship Bread starter, oil, and eggs.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pudding mix. Add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix well.
- If desired, add nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the batter evenly into the two greased bread pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack.
This recipe is just one variation of Amish Friendship Bread, as there are many different ways to prepare it depending on your preferences. Some people like to add fruit, while others prefer savory flavors with ingredients like cheese and herbs. The possibilities are endless! Aside from its delicious flavor and the sense of community it creates, Amish Friendship Bread also has some health benefits. The fermentation process of the starter makes the bread easier to digest, as it breaks down the complex carbohydrates and proteins in the flour. This means it may be a good option for those with gluten or wheat sensitivities. If you’re interested in making Amish Friendship Bread, but don’t have any friends to receive a starter from, there are plenty of online communities where you can find one. Simply search for “Amish Friendship Bread groups” on social media or online forums and you’ll be sure to find a group near you. In conclusion, Amish Friendship Bread is more than just a recipe, it’s a way to connect with others and keep a tradition alive. So why not try making a batch today and start sharing the love of this delicious treat with your friends and family?
